Minecraft is a popular sandbox game that allows players to create, explore, and survive in a blocky world. One feature that makes Minecraft so appealing is the ability to play with other players online on servers. Servers are huge online worlds created by the Minecraft community, each offering its own brand of fun and uniqueness.

But are Minecraft servers free to join and play on? The answer depends on what kind of server you are looking for.

There are two main types of Minecraft servers: official and unofficial.

Official servers are run by Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, and require a paid subscription to access.

Unofficial servers are run by independent hosts and may or may not require a fee to join. Let’s take a look at each type in more detail.

You can find official servers in the game menu under the “Realms” or “Featured Servers” tabs. These servers are hosted by Mojang and offer a safe and secure environment for players to enjoy Minecraft with their friends or other players worldwide. Some of the benefits of official servers are:

• They are always online and updated to the latest version of Minecraft.
• They have anti-cheat and anti-griefing measures to prevent hacking and vandalism.
• They have custom maps, mini-games, and events to keep things fresh and fun.
• They have a friendly and supportive community of players and moderators.

However, official servers also have some drawbacks, such as:

• They require a monthly subscription fee to access. The cost varies depending on the platform and region but usually ranges from $3.99 to $7.99 monthly.
• They have limited slots and resources, which means you may be unable to join or invite as many players as you want.
• They have limited customization options, which means you may be unable to change the game settings, install mods, or use plugins.

Unofficial servers are the ones that you can find on various websites or forums dedicated to Minecraft. These servers are hosted by independent hosts, who may be individuals, groups, or organizations. Some of the benefits of unofficial servers are:

• They are free to join and play unless the host charges a fee for premium features or donations.
• They have unlimited slots and resources, so you can invite as many players as possible and enjoy a lag-free experience.
• They have unlimited customization options, which means you can change the game settings, install mods, use plugins, and create your own rules.

However, unofficial servers also have some drawbacks, such as:

• They may not be online or updated to the latest version of Minecraft.
• They may not have anti-cheat or anti-griefing measures to prevent hacking and vandalism.
• They may not have custom maps, mini-games, or events to keep things fresh and fun.
• They may not have a friendly or supportive community of players or moderators.

If you want to join an unofficial server, you must find one that suits your preferences and needs.

Many websites list and rank unofficial servers based on various criteria, such as game type, play style, popularity, votes, reviews, etc. Some of the most popular websites for finding unofficial servers are:

• Minecraft Servers: This website has a comprehensive list of servers spanning various categories such as Skyblock, Vanilla, Pixelmon, Towny, Bedwars, and more. You can browse detailed information on each server and vote for your favorite one.
• Aternos: This website allows you to create your own personal server for free and invite your friends to play with you. You can also browse other servers created by other users and join them if they are online.
• Planet Minecraft: This website is a community platform for Minecraft fans where you can find not only servers but also maps, skins, mods, texture packs, blogs, forums, and more. You can also upload your own creations and share them with others.
• Minecraft Server List: This website has more than 490.000 servers monitored since 2010. You can find servers based on various filters such as country, version, uptime, players online, etc. You can also add your own server if you have one.

Minecraft servers are a great way to enjoy the game with other players online. However, not all servers are free to join and play on.

Official servers require a paid subscription fee to access, while unofficial servers may or may not charge a price depending on the host. Both types of servers have pros and cons, so it is up to you to decide which suits you better.

You can find unofficial servers on various websites that list and rank them based on different criteria. You can also create your own server to have more control and customization over your gameplay. Whatever you choose, we hope you have fun and stay safe on Minecraft servers.

How do I join a Minecraft server?

A: To join a Minecraft server, you need to have the same game version as the server. Then, you must go to the multiplayer menu and add the server’s IP address or domain name. You can find the server’s address on the website where you found the server or by asking the host. Once you have added the server, select it and click “Join Server.”

How do I create a Minecraft server?

To create a Minecraft server, you have two options: use a hosting service or host it yourself. A hosting service is a company that provides servers for rent. You can choose a plan that suits your needs and budget and customize your server using their online interface.

Some of the popular hosting services are [Apex Hosting], [Bisect Hosting], and [Shockbyte].

Hosting it yourself means using your computer or device to run the server. You must download the server software from the official Minecraft website and configure it according to your preferences. It would help to port forward your router and firewall to allow other players to join your server.

How do I install mods or plugins on a Minecraft server?

Mods and plugins are extensions that add new features or change the gameplay of Minecraft. Mods require both the server and the client (the game) to have the same mod installed, while plugins only require the server to have them. To install mods or plugins on a Minecraft server, you will need to use modded or plugin-enabled server software, such as [Forge], [Spigot], or [Paper]. You will also need to download the mods or plugins that you want from reputable sources, such as [CurseForge] or [SpigotMC]. Then, you will need to place the mod or plugin files in the appropriate folder of your server directory and restart your server.

How do I make my Minecraft server private or public?

A private server is a server that only allows certain players to join. In contrast, a public server is a server that anyone can join. To make your Minecraft server private or public, you must edit your server’s allow list or blocklist settings. A whitelist is a list of players allowed to join your server, while a blacklist is a list of players banned from your server. You can edit these lists using commands in the game console or a text file in your server directory.

How do I backup or restore my Minecraft server?

Backing up your Minecraft server means saving a copy of your server data, such as your world, settings, and players. Restoring your Minecraft server means loading a previous backup of your server data. It would help if you used a backup tool or manually copied and pasted your server files to back up or restore your Minecraft server. Some hosting services provide backup tools that allow you to quickly back up and restore your server with a few clicks. If you host your own server, you must locate your server directory and copy and paste the files you want to back up or restore.

How do I update my Minecraft server?
To update your Minecraft server, you must download the latest version of the software from the official Minecraft website or your hosting service. You must also ensure that your mods or plugins are compatible with the new version. Then, you must stop your server, replace the old server files with the new ones, and restart your server. You may also need to update your game client to match the server version.

How do I troubleshoot my Minecraft server?

Troubleshooting your Minecraft server means finding and fixing the problems that may cause your server to crash, lag, or malfunction. To troubleshoot your Minecraft server, you will need to check the following things:

Your server logs: These are text files that record the events and errors on your server. You can find them in your server directory or your hosting service’s online interface. You can use them to identify the cause and source of the problem.

Your server settings: These options control how your server runs and behaves. You can find them in a text file called server.properties in your server directory or your hosting service’s online interface. You can use them to adjust the performance and compatibility of your server.

Your server resources: These hardware and software components affect your server’s speed and stability. They include your CPU, RAM, disk space, bandwidth, operating system, Java version, etc. You can use them to optimize and upgrade your server.

How do I secure my Minecraft server?

A: Securing your Minecraft server means protecting it from unauthorized access, hacking, or vandalism. To secure your Minecraft server, you will need to do the following things:

Use a strong password: This is a secret word or phrase that you use to access your server or hosting service. It would help if you chose a long, complex, and unique password. You should also change it regularly and keep it safe.

Use a whitelist or blacklist: This is a list of players allowed or banned from your server. You should only allow players you trust and know on your whitelist and block players who are suspicious or malicious on your blacklist.

Use encryption: This process scrambles the data sent and received between your server and the game client. It prevents anyone from intercepting or tampering with your data. You can use encryption by enabling SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) on your hosting service or by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) on your device.